Astros honor heroes of Harvey at First Responders Night

The Astros welcomed first responders onto the field for the start of their game against the Twins Tuesday. It was First Responders Night in the lead-up to September 11, which is National Emergency Responders Day.

The Astros paid tribute to the heroes of Hurricane Harvey as firefighters, police officers, paramedics, sheriff's deputies and Cajun Navy volunteers lined the bases, shoulder-to-shoulder with Astros players during the national anthem.

“It’s a fresh reminder to our men and women that the sacrifices they make are noted, they’re notices, and they’re appreciated, and I think that means a lot,” said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo, who was recognized on the field with Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena.

First responders unfurled the American flag on the field, and the first pitch was thrown by LyondellBasell Matagorda Emergency Response Team Fire Chief Antoine Bernard, who served in the United States Marine Corps and is a Desert Storm/Desert Shield war veteran.

“It’s critical that we support these folks, because they protect us every day,” said Dale Friedrichs with LyondellBasell, the company that sponsored the event.